In a deal that highlights the importance of the production tax credit (PTC), Vestas has received a 60 MW order from affiliates of Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES Americas) to be used for wind energy projects in the U.S. Ultimately, Vestas says it could supply RES Americas up to 610 MW.

Details about the projects' names and locations were not disclosed. However, Vestas says each project will use its V100-2.0 MW turbine, and deliveries and commissioning are expected to occur in 2014 and 2015.

“We are very pleased to have finalized this agreement with Vestas,” says Susan Reilly, president and CEO of RES Americas. “This is a great example of how the ‘start of construction’ language in the current production tax credit for wind energy is generating increased spending and creating U.S. manufacturing jobs.

“This purchase, which we expect to increase as these projects move forward, would not have occurred but for the decision Congress made to qualify any project that starts this year,” Reilly continues.

Chris Brown, president of Vestas’ sales and service division in the U.S. and Canada, agrees that the PTC plays a crucial role in the wind sector.

“Transactions like this underscore the value delivered by the production tax credit and the importance of extending it beyond its current expiration at the end of 2013,” comments Brown. He adds that Vestas’ U.S. manufacturing facilities will be producing the wind turbines for the RES deal.

Vestas previously worked with RES to supply 139 V90-1.8 MW turbines for the Cedar Point wind energy project. Located near Limon, Colo., the wind farm became operational in 2011.